Earth Science Investigation Project (7th Grade)

Earth's surface is constantly changing due to processes that occur over millions of years. Scientists study rocks, fossils, landforms, and evidence from the ocean floor to better understand how Earth has changed over time. In this project, you will analyze geological evidence to investigate the mystery of a lost continent and determine what may have happened to it.

Standards Alignment:

Texas TEKS (New Standards):

• 7.7A – Construct models to demonstrate how plate tectonics causes large-scale geological events and changes on Earth's surface.
• 7.7B – Explain how plate tectonics and the flow of energy from within Earth result in the formation of crustal features.
• 7.7C – Analyze the characteristics and formation of folds, faults, and unconformities.
• 7.7D – Analyze evidence for the location and movement of Earth's plates, including fossil distribution, continental shapes, and seafloor structures.
• 7.8B – Analyze the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition on the environment in ecoregions of Texas.

NGSS (Middle School Earth and Space Science):

• MS-ESS2-2 – Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
• MS-ESS2-3 – Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motions.
• MS-ESS2-4 – Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
• ESS2.A – Earth Materials and Systems
• ESS2.B – Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions
• ESS2.C – The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface Processes

Facilitator Key Included